Lexus RX450h - How to Replace Liftgate Backup Lens
10-22-12, 09:52 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Lexus RX450h - How to Replace Liftgate Backup Lens
The right backup lens cracked on my 2011 RX450h. I have purchase the new housing/lens online which has 4 bolts to secure it to the liftgate.
Question: How do I get at the 4 bolts? There is an interior back molding that seems to be very tightly secured and I don't want to damage it. What is the trick to remove that back molding? Do you have to remove the plastic trim around the molding?
I have been told it is simply held in by clips, but when I try to pull it back at the corners it appears the molding continues beyond the plastic molding. It won't just pop out at the corners as some have told me.
Greatly appreciate any help.
Question: How do I get at the 4 bolts? There is an interior back molding that seems to be very tightly secured and I don't want to damage it. What is the trick to remove that back molding? Do you have to remove the plastic trim around the molding?
I have been told it is simply held in by clips, but when I try to pull it back at the corners it appears the molding continues beyond the plastic molding. It won't just pop out at the corners as some have told me.
Greatly appreciate any help.
10-22-12, 02:25 PM
#2
Not sure I can help you with the mechanics of 'doing' the repair, but you just said it 'cracked'. If it didn't come in contact with anything else and it's just from stress then warranty should take care of it. Just a thought ...... 
The right backup lens cracked on my 2011 RX450h. I have purchase the new housing/lens online which has 4 bolts to secure it to the liftgate.
Question: How do I get at the 4 bolts? There is an interior back molding that seems to be very tightly secured and I don't want to damage it. What is the trick to remove that back molding? Do you have to remove the plastic trim around the molding?
I have been told it is simply held in by clips, but when I try to pull it back at the corners it appears the molding continues beyond the plastic molding. It won't just pop out at the corners as some have told me.
Greatly appreciate any help.
Question: How do I get at the 4 bolts? There is an interior back molding that seems to be very tightly secured and I don't want to damage it. What is the trick to remove that back molding? Do you have to remove the plastic trim around the molding?
I have been told it is simply held in by clips, but when I try to pull it back at the corners it appears the molding continues beyond the plastic molding. It won't just pop out at the corners as some have told me.
Greatly appreciate any help.
10-22-12, 02:43 PM
#3
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Unfortunately, the damage was done in a parking lot and my insurance deductible is too high. Like I said earlier, I have already purchased a new replacement and I just need to know how to get the interior panel out so that I can get at the 4 bolts holding the original lens housing.
10-23-12, 08:07 AM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
First thing is to pry off the latch cover at the bottom of the lift gate. Use a pry tool or whatever you have and pry it off. The handle with power button and the other blank plate need to come off too. You can pry them off or, once the latch cover is removed start lifting up on the lift gate panel and they should pop out. The rest is just a matter of pulling on the panel and unsnapping it from the lift gate.I believe it does separate from the hard plastic piece above it. I hope this helps.
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